Notes Alternatative To Coursework P4
Notes Alternatative To Coursework P4
PAPER 4
NOTES
Names:____________________________________________
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1 Planning: Enquiry Question
Enquiry Process
o Data presentation
o Analysis
o Conclusions
o Evaluation
Aims/Hypothesis
o This is linked to the content in the specification and then related to a place-specific context.
o River discharge increases with distance from the source of the river Dove.
o Environmental quality increases with distance from the new housing estate in Swanland, East Yorkshire
Aims and hypothesis may be based on what is already known about the topic. For example, Bradshaw's model in
rivers
o The topic of the enquiry - a coastal enquiry has to be located at the coast.
o Distance - the greater the distance the less time will be available for collecting data.
o Suitability - the site needs to provide the data required to test the hypothesis.
Once the location has been decided sampling is used to identify the sample sites within the location
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Risk Assessment
Any fieldwork will involve consideration of health and safety using a risk assessment.
Heavy rainfall can cause Check the weather forecast prior to entering the river.
flash flooding.
Weather conditions Apply sunscreen.
Strong sun can lead to
sunburn/heatstroke Wear a hat
Weil's disease can be Ensure that hands are washed after being in the water and any
Waterborne diseases contracted through open wounds are covered.
contaminated freshwater Anti-bacterial hand wash to be used after contact with water
Questionnaire completion
Contact with may involve contact with Plan questions carefully, if someone takes offence or becomes
strangers strangers, risk of offending annoyed withdraw from the situation, work in groups
or annoying people
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Becoming trapped by Check tide tables to ensure that students are not working
Tides
incoming tide whilst the tide is coming in
o Questionnaire data
o Video/audio recordings
o Photographs
o Interview information
Data collected by someone else but used by the student in their enquiry is secondary data.
o Census results
o Weather data
o Old photographs
o Maps
o Newspaper articles
o Websites
Strengths Limitations
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The data is specific to the enquiry.
It is up to date
Easy to access.
It is not specific to the enquiry.
Low cost or free
No control over the data quality
Secondary Data Can be accessed quickly.
Data may be biased.
A large amount of data sources is
Data may be out of date
available
o Traffic counts
o Weather data
o Interview answers
When collecting data via questionnaires or interviews a number of questioning types can be used:
o Closed questions where answers are limited to single words, numbers or a list of options.
o Statements which use a scale to gauge people's views. For example, strongly agree/agree.
Interviews are more in-depth and tend to be used to gather a smaller data sample.
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Environmental Quality Surveys
These are used to collect data about the environmental quality of different sites.
They use the judgement of the person conducting the survey to assess environmental quality against a range of
indicators.
o Usually, the lower the score the more negative the assessment of the environmental quality
They are subjective because they are based on the opinion of the person completing them.
They produce quantitative data.
Strengths Limitations
Time-consuming
Purpose of Sampling
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It gives an overview of the whole feature/population to be sampled. There is not enough time/equipment/access to
measure the whole area being examined. Sampling provides a representative and statistically valid sample of the whole.
Types of Sampling
Random
Systematic
Stratified
Random sampling
The squares which include part of the study area are numbered.
Systematic sampling
The samples are selected at regular intervals, for example every 500 meters or every tenth person.
Stratified sampling
Used when the study area includes significantly different parts known as subsets.
Is based on the idea that the sample represents the whole population.
If a questionnaire is being used to collect data and the population of the study area has 10% of people over 65, then the
sample should include 10% of people over 65.
Random
Least biased of all sampling, all possible sample sites have an equal chance of being selected.
Representation of the overall population may be poor if the random sites miss large areas.
Systematic
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It covers the whole study area equally.
Not all sites have an equal chance of being selected which increases the bias.
Stratified
4 Data Presentation
Data Presentation
o Continuous and discrete
o Graphs
o Annotated photographs
o Field sketches
o Maps
o Diagrams
The types of data presentation used will depend on the data collected.
Graphical Skills
Much of the data collected will be presented in the form of graphs of some form.
Bar graphs
Strengths Limitations
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Easy to interpret and construct Does not show causes, effects or patterns
The bars are subdivided to show the information with all bars totaling 100%
The main use of a divided bar chart is to compare numeric values between levels of a variable such as time.
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Population Pyramid
A type of histogram
Line Graphs
Strengths Limitations
Shows trends and patterns clearly Does not show causes or effects
Quicker and easier to construct than a bar graph Can be misleading if the scales on the axis are altered
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A river cross-section is a particular form of line graph because it is not continuous data but the plots can be
joined to show the shape of the river channel
Pie Chart
Used to show proportions, the area of the circle segment represents the proportion.
Pie charts can be located on maps to show variations at different sample sites.
Strengths Limitations
Clearly shows the proportion of the whole Do not show changes over time
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Pie Chart Showing Energy Sources in an area
Rose Diagrams
Can be used for data such as wind direction, noise or light levels.
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Wind Direction Shown on a Rose Diagram
Triangular Graphs
Can be used to plot data such as soil content, employment in economic activities.
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Triangular Graph Showing Components of Soil Samples at Different Sites
Scatter graph
o In a river study, they are used to show the relationship between different river characteristics such as
the relationship between the width and depth of the river channel.
Strengths Limitations
Shows the spread of data Too many data points can make it difficult to read
Makes it easy to identify anomalies and outliers Can only show the relationship between two sets of data
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Scatter graph to show the Relationship Between Width and Depth on a River Long Profile
Exam Tip
In the exam, you will not be asked to draw an entire graph. However, it is common to be asked to complete an
unfinished graph using the data provided. You may also be asked to identify anomalous results or to draw the best fit
line on a scatter graph.
Take your time to ensure that you have marked the data on the graph accurately.
Use the same style as the data which has already been put on the graph.
o If the dots on a graph are connected by a line you should do the same
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Choropleth Map
Can be used for a range of data such as annual precipitation, population density, income levels, etc...
Strengths Limitations
Groupings are flexible Variations within the value set are not visible
Can be used to show a range of data, for example, population, wind farms and electricity they generate, traffic
or pedestrian flows.
Strengths Limitations
Illustrates the differences between many places Not easy to calculate the actual value
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Exam Tip
In the exam, you may be asked why a particular graphical technique is appropriate. You should ensure that you know
the advantages and disadvantages of the different data presentation methods.
Photographs
Strengths Limitations
Can be used to show data collection techniques Photographs sometimes contain too much information
Field Sketches
Strengths Limitations
Smaller important areas can be more detailed Important details may be missed
Maps
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An essential part of any fieldwork enquiry is to show the location of features and sample sites.
Maps can also be used to show relevant features such as amenities around the sample sites.
Strengths Limitations
Key to show features around the sample sites Maps cannot show changes over time
Allows distribution of features to be shown accurately Bias may be introduced by highlighting certain features
5 Analysis
Analysis
Statistical methods can be used to help explore and explain the results gathered during data collection
The mean is calculated by adding up all of the values in the data set and then dividing by the total number of
values in the data set.
The median is the middle value of a set of data. The numbers are arranged in rank order and then the middle
value is selected.
Range
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A measure of dispersion - the spread of data around the average
Interquartile range is the part of the range that covers the middle 50% of the data.
Anomalies
Analysis in annotation gives meaning to the features shown in the photograph/field sketch.
6 Conclusion
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Overall Result Analysis
Exam Tip
In the exam, you may be asked how valid or reliable your conclusions were. It is important to know the difference
between the two.
Reliability refers to whether the results you have gathered could be reproduced in the same conditions. For
example, would a student measuring river velocity at the same sample site in the same conditions get the same
velocity measurements?
Validity refers to the accuracy of the measure, and whether the results represent what they are supposed to
measure. For example, a measure of environmental quality should measure the environment and not economic
characteristics.
16.1.6 Conclusion
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Exam Tip
In the exam, you may be asked how valid or reliable your conclusions were. It is important to know the difference
between the two.
Reliability refers to whether the results you have gathered could be reproduced in the same conditions. For
example, would a student measuring river velocity at the same sample site in the same conditions get the same
velocity measurements?
Validity refers to the accuracy of the measure, and whether the results represent what they are supposed to
measure. For example, a measure of environmental quality should measure the environment and not economic
characteristics.
7 Evaluation
A key focus in the fieldwork questions in the exam is the evaluation of data collection.
o Identify any problems with, and limitations of, data collection methods.
o Suggest other data which would have been useful in the study or improvements which could be made.
There are always issues and limitations associated with data collection they may include:
o Duration of the data collection - was the enquiry time long enough to collect the data needed?
o Methods - were the questions on questionnaires appropriate to meet the aim and test the hypothesis?
o Human error - were there any mistakes in recording data or reading the equipment?
o Time of the data collection - did the weather or time impact the results collected?
o Unforeseen issues - were there any problems on the day such as road works, and river flow which
affected the results?
There are always improvements which could be made to data collection these may include:
Evaluating the Conclusions: To evaluate the conclusion students should examine whether:
o The conclusions reflect the aims and hypothesis set out at the start of the enquiry.
o The aim and hypothesis were appropriate - could the hypothesis be easily assessed.
o The accuracy of results could be improved if the data collection were to be repeated.
Fieldwork in a hazardous environment is based on the physical processes involved in an extreme weather event.
To undertake a weather fieldwork enquiry there are a range of practical skills and methods that will be used.
o In a weather fieldwork enquiry, the theories of microclimate and the passage of a depression or tropical
storm can be used.
The aims and hypothesis come from questions asked about the weather such as:
o An investigation into the changing weather patterns during the passage of a depression
o Precipitation is greatest when air pressure is lowest during the passage of a depression.
After the aims and hypothesis of the fieldwork have been established the next steps include:
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Worked Example
Answer:
o The 2nd mark requires the development of the aim e.g. measure weather conditions (1) compare with
another local site (1) measure temperature … (1) compare with Met Office station recordings for that
area (1)
(ii) Identify three reasons why a microclimate investigation might not achieve the aim given in (i)
Answer:
It is not practical to include all weather measurements throughout the day or to take measurements at all sites.
There may be situations where access to the sample site may be limited meaning an opportunistic approach
may need to be taken. However, this should be as close as possible to the site selected using sampling.
The most commonly used sampling strategies for a weather enquiry are:
o Random - this means that all sites have an equal chance of being selected. A grid placed across a map of
the school site would enable random sampling.
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Worked Example
A group of students have investigated the physical processes involved in an extreme weather event by recording a
weather diary. The students use an anemometer to record wind speed every hour.
A. Systematic
B. Random
C. Stratified
D. Opportunistic
Worked Example
Outline three factors which should be considered when choosing a suitable sampling site for a microclimate enquiry
(6)
Answer:
o Different surroundings (1) 2nd mark for this to be exemplified twice e.g. south-facing aspect (1);
sheltered spot (1); open space (1)
o 1 Mark allowed for valid health & safety consideration e.g. trespass (1); traffic (1)
Equipment
o Thermometer - temperature
o Hygrometer - humidity
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Risk Assessment
Any fieldwork will involve consideration of health and safety using a risk assessment
o Weather conditions
o Traffic
Worked Example
A group of students investigated the physical processes involved in an extreme weather event by recording a weather
diary.
(i) Identify one risk that the students may identify when undertaking a risk assessment for the investigation (1)
Answer:
Answer: (Staying indoors is not accepted and the answer must be specific to the answer given to (i)
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Using Equipment in the Field
A weather diary and a microclimate study will both require the use of meteorological (weather) instruments to
take measurements.
Weather Diary
To ensure accuracy of data some of the instruments - thermometer, hygrometer and barometer - should be
placed on a Stevenson screen.
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Features of a Stevenson Screen
Temperature
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Measurements on a Maximum and Minimum Thermometer
Air pressure
Humidity
Wind speed
Wind direction
A wind vane is used to give the direction the wind is coming from.
Rainfall
Worked Example
Answer:
o Stevenson Screen (1)
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Describe how a piece of equipment X is used in collecting weather data (3)
o Regular visits with log (1) Open front panel and record data (1) Log current instrument readings (1)
o Housing for a variety of instruments (1) Allows air temperature in shade, not sun-exposed temperature
to be recorded (1) Safety and instrument protection (1)
Just as with any data collection and presentation they have strengths and weaknesses.
In a weather enquiry photographs and field sketches can be used to show weather conditions and sample site
locations
Photographs are also useful for illustrating the data collection methods used.
Worked Example
To extend the weather study students recorded wind speeds every hour using an anemometer. Students were asked
to use one other primary data method.
Answer: You will gain 1 mark for the identification of a primary data method and 2 further marks for explaining
how this can be used.
o Rain – the use of a rain gauge (1) to collect data on mm of rainfall over some time (1) data can be
plotted to explore patterns (1)
o Air pressure – the use of a barometer (1) to measure air pressure (1) plotted against wind speed to
explore patterns over some time (1)
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